The
object of our experiment was to study the effects of
cyclopamine on Medaka embryos. In particularly we were
looking for developmental problems concerning the left-right
axis, eye formation, and truncation.

Introduction:

Cyclopamine
is a known sonic hedge hog inhibitor.
Sonichedge hog plays a role
in many areas of development. It is thought to mediate
left-right axis formation, limb bud development, brain
development and development of the eye. Cyclopamine works
against sonic hedge hog by blocking the receptor cell.
Previous work done with cyclopamine has utilized chick
embryos and some studies have been performed on zebrafish.
Because our own studies focus on the effects of cyclopamine
on Medaka embryos. We choose this organism because not much
has been done with it in regards to cyclopamine.

Medaka
are useful fish to work with. They are easily to obtain and
can be harvested year round. They are good for embryological
studies because they are optically clear, making it very
easy to note any malformations.